Historically, Rhythmic CHRs hadn’t performed very well in the Houston market (see 98.5 KHYS) but Cox had confidence with the sign on of “Hot 97-1”. After breaking it’s simulcast with sister “Oldies 107.5”, an electronic voice countdown began. The countdown didn’t reach 1 until the following day and “Hot 97-1, Houston’s Hottest Hit Music” was born. The KKTL-FM calls were later replaced with KTHT. The first song on “Hot 97-1” was “Party Up” by DMX